In memoriam: Joshua Lee Lilliston, University Studies major and member of Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets

Cadet Signal Corporal Joshua Lee Lilliston passed away in his home from a rare eye cancer on Oct. 30, 2011.

Lilliston was a 2010 graduate of Bel Air High School and a sophomore cadet in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. He was majoring University Studies with the intent to major in mechanical engineering and minor in leadership. He was listed on the Deans list. He was a member of the Regimental Band of the Corps of Cadets (Highty-Tighties) as a trumpet player and bugler. 

He was a very active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, involved in outreach programs, had been a Boy Scout in Troop 777, and an advocate for Relay for Life.

In his short period of life, Lilliston inspired many for his bravery in battling his cancer, his faith in God, pursuing his dreams despite and never giving up. He traveled the United States extensively, had flown a fighter jet plane on his own, sky dived, and did  many other adventurous activities. He had the pleasure of knowing a true friendship with his best friend, Tim Flaharty of Abingdon, Md.

He is survived by his mother, Kathy L. Lilliston of Bel Air, Md; a brother, Aaron M. Lilliston of Columbia, Md.; a grandmother, Louise U. Sultan of Bel Air; and an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sultan of Jacobus, Penn. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Walter E. Sultan.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established in his name for an upperclassman in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets with a medical condition preventing the student from entering the military. Checks may be mailed to the Virginia Tech Foundation with "Lilliston Scholarship" on the memo line. The address is Virginia Tech, University Development 0336, Blacksburg, VA 24061, Attention VTCC.

A viewing will be held on Friday, Nov. 4 at Schimunek Funeral Home in Bel Air, from 4-8 p.m., followed by a church service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Joppa, Md., on Saturday Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. A graveside service will be held the following Saturday in Wachapreague, Va..